| dc.description.abstract | The present study is divided into five chapters. The
first chapter, provides an introduction to the study
in terms of definition, statement of the problem,
purpose, aims of the study and methodology. In Chapters
2, 3, and 4 the data are presented as obtained in the
course of the investigation whereas the final chapter
discusses these findings and proposes various recommendations.
2. As stated in Chapter I, this study addresses itself to
streaming as practiced in Nairobi secondary schools.
The study's main concern is to come to better understanding
of streaming both in operational and in factual terms.
3. Although streaming is a widely accepted concept in
education, both in Kenya and elsewhere, its precise
meaning is not always clear, particularly so in
operational terms. Further-more the extent of streaming
in a given situation, such as, Nairobi is not always
known. Hence the study investigates in factual terms
the extent of streaming in Nairobi and thereafter tries
to arrive at an operational definition.
4. To investigate the extent of streaming implies in this
case first a general survey on streaming in Forms I _.IV
in all Nairobi schools (46) and a more specific inquiry
into attitudes among Headteachers, teachers, pupils of
eleven (11) schools.
5. To this end three questionnaires, namely for headteachers,
Form IV class teachers and Form IV pupils were used to
elicit information concerning the study. Also, personal
interviews were administered to eleven headteachers.
In all, the total population used for the study was
forty-six schools of varying categories, twenty-three
class teachers of Form IV Arts and Science streams,
seven hundred and fifty-five pupils of Form IV Arts
and Science streams, and eleven headteachers of different
categories of secondary schools.
The data obtained in the study are analyzed through the
use of descriptive statistics, that is percentages.
6. Findings
From the general survey questionnaire, the study found out
that the operational definition of streaming in Nairobi
secondary schools is the grouping of pupils according
to their academic ability and performance.
Most head teachers and class teachers favour
streaming because it eases their load as pupils
are grouped according to their academic ability
in various subjects and their learning paces.
The Ministry's laid down policy on streaming is
not very clear although a heterogeneous grouping
of pupils is widely advocated for.
7. Limitations
The study was limited to Nairobi area only because,
in the first place, it is a surveyor rather an
exploratory study on the extent to which streaming
is practiced. Secondly, the time allocated for the
study and the resources available were rather
limited. Thirdly, Nairobi's easy system of
communication enabled or rather, contributed to
the study being carried out here.
8. Summary and Recommendations
In conclusion, the study found out that streaming
as practiced in various categories of Nairobi
secondary schools is the grouping of pupils into
classes according to their academic ability and
performance in different subjects. An operational
definition is suggested along these lines.
The Ministry's laid down policy on streaming is not
very clear. Although a heterogeneous approach is
advocated for, it is not however clearly stated so.
It seems from the study that perhaps because of
the policy being unclear, headteachers, and
teachers have interpreted it to mean grouping pupils
on their academic ability.
The study suggests that in the light of what it has
found out, the ministry should be very clear in
defining the process of streaming after holding
discussions with headteachers, teachers and parents
on whether the present practice of streaming in
schools should be continued or not. Secondly, the
study being pioneer in the field of streaming is
to lay down ground work for further research of
an interpretative nature. | en |
